Category: Brands

Walker, Ashworth & Linney Ltd were originally a firm of silk and felt hat manufacturers based in Denton. The company was founded in 1867 by Thomas Walker, James and Samuel Ashworth and Joseph Linney. Hat manufacturing made Denton famous. During the 18th century, farmers began to supplement their income by making felt hats, as there were plenty of rabbits in the area. Gradually, this cottage industry developed and eventually there were some twenty hat factories which were established in various parts of the town.

You may well have heard the saying “if you want to get ahead, then get a hat.” This began in Denton and anyone attending a job interview not wearing a hat was shown the door. The term, “mad as a hatter” also originated in Denton because people who worked in these factories were exposed to daily trace amounts of mercury, which in turn led to mercury poisoning.

In 1912 the firm became a limited company and it was transferred to the four sons of the original partners. Walker, Ashworth & Linney eventually evolved to become Linney Headwear and it is still going strong today.

Linney Headwear is now made in Liverpool at Try & Lilly’s premises, but should you visit Denton today, you will see a tribute to the Hatting industry that was. A bronze Statue stands in Jubilee Square, Albert Street, Denton entitled ‘Tipping the Denton Linney‘. This bronze statue shows a man doffing his Linney hat, once manufactured in the town. The statue is dedicated to the workers of the Hatting Industry.

Today, the leisure headwear side of the business is a growth area for Try & Lilly and we offer a stock supported service branded as Linney Headwear as well as a made to order service.

Founded in 1978, Borges & Scott is an award winning family run business, currently run by Alice Borges and David Scott.

They are long-established producers of high-quality Panama hats. They combine the iconic South American hat with the best elements of British quality and style. All their hats are handmade in Ecuador and finished by their experienced team in Bristol, England.

Borges & Scott work tirelessly to ensure their hats are of the highest possible quality and will go out of their way to ensure that you’re completely satisfied with your purchase.

Their Panama hats are made in accordance with high ethical standards. They are members of BAFTS (British Association of Fair Trade Suppliers) and work hard to ensure that all hats are made under “fair trade” conditions.